Production of videotapes on self-management of psychiatric symptoms

While many efforts are being made to improve the health care system, one of the greatest interim problems facing health care today is teaching people how to use the existing system effectively. This includes teaching people about their illnesses and how to secure the best possible help from the health care system. Nowhere is this need greater than with mental health care, because psychiatric disabilities greatly compound the difficulties of responding wisely to warning signs. Furthermore, because of stigma, care for those with mental illness is sorely neglected at all levels. This grant provides support for the production of a videotape on workshops on self-management of psychiatric symptoms. The video will include discussions with and contributions by a wide variety of participants all of whom have had extensive contact with the mental health system and experience with symptoms breakdowns and hospitalizations. This project will be considered successful if it results in promoting dynamic discussion among all interested parties, enhances understanding, and bridges diverse viewpoints.